Storm over affordable homes plan

MORE than 100 people have objected to controversial plans to demolish an old people’s home to make way for 15 “affordable” homes and five bungalows for the elderly.
Opponents of the scheme say the “affordable” houses are in fact social housing for rent which will not help people get on the property ladder.
They also claim the properties, off Birchall Street, Croft, Warrington would be an inappropriate development because of the lack of facilities such as shops, post office, etc., in the village.
Warrington’s development control committee is being recommended to approve the scheme, however.
Arena Housing Group Ltd want to demolish Croft House, which has 31 bedsit units for the elderly in a two storey building.
But Croft Parish Council opposes the scheme – as do more than 115 local people who have sent in objections.
Residents claim they have not been adequately consulted about the scheme.
The parish council says previous comments by the council and by local residents have been completely disregarded by the applicant.
They say to replace Croft House with just five bungalows for the elderly is totally inadequate for a village with an ageing population.
Planning officers say the government’s definition of affordable housing includes social, rented housing and the council’s priority need is for rented social accommodation.
They acknowledge there will be criticism of inadequate public transport but maintain that Croft is big enough for bus services to be viable and point out that demand for buses will be strengthened by the new development.